On Tuesday, Dec. 4 the School Board adopted the Hybrid High School Master Schedule. The new schedule will be implemented at ALL division high schools beginning with the 2013-2014 school year. Corresponding adjustments to the middle and elementary school start and dismissal times also will be implemented.
Highlights of the approved schedule include:
- The addition of 15 minutes to the high school students' schedule (7:20 a.m.-2:10 p.m.);
- No time added to the elementary and middle school schedules, however, adjusted start and dismissal times to accommodate a new transportation schedule for high schools (elementary “A” 8:10 a.m.-2:40 p.m.; elementary “B” 8:40 a.m.-3:10 p.m.; middle schools 9:15 a.m.-3:50 p.m.);
- High school students taking six to eight classes with a lunch block daily;
- The addition of a limited selection of 4x4 core courses for credit recovery; and
- Increased opportunities for students to enroll and in electives and participate in programs.
Why did we need to change the high school schedule?
The current schedule does not offer students the room to meet new state-mandated graduation requirements. Beginning with the freshman class of 2011-2012, all students were required to take Economics and Finance (one additional credit), and the credit requirement for an Advanced Studies diploma increased from 24 to 26. In addition, beginning with the freshman class of 2012-2013, those pursuing a Standard diploma will have to earn a Career and Technical Education (TCE) credential (one to two additional credits). The current schedule limits the opportunities for students to meet these additional graduation requirements, to have a lunch and take electives.
How is the adopted schedule different from the current one?
The adopted hybrid schedule adds 15 minutes to the high school students' day and enables all students to have a lunch block daily, regardless of the number of courses they take. Students will take six to eight classes a year, up to 32 credits over four years, and have increased opportunities to take electives or receive assistance in instructional support programs. The adopted hybrid schedule also will enable students to receive instructional support and more easily recover credits for specific core courses through a 4x4 model, rather than stay after school or attend summer school.
I keep hearing people talk about A/B and 4x4 schedules. What is the difference?
In a traditional A/B schedule, students take six to eight classes all year long, but see their teachers on alternating days.
In a 4x4 model, classes are offered as semester-long courses. Students attend 4x4 classes every day and then take a new class during the second semester. For example, a student could take English 11 the first semester and English 12 the second semester on a 4x4 schedule.
So how does the adopted hybrid schedule bring A/B and 4x4 courses together?
The hybrid schedule will primarily be an A/B schedule in which students will take between six and eight classes a school year while having a lunch block every day. Under the adopted schedule, only a handful of select core courses will be taught using a 4x4 schedule. This will allow students to recover credits during the school year to work toward on-time graduation.
What classes will be offered on a 4X4 schedule?
Courses identified for a 4x4 schedule will be those core courses that traditionally are “road blocks” to on-time graduation including, but not limited to, Algebra 1, Earth Science, English 11 and English 12.
Will my student be able to request a 4X4 course?
No. Students will be placed in 4x4 courses based on previous academic performance, age and credits needed to graduate.
Will AP and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses be taught using a 4x4 schedule?
No. The schedule does not include AP or IB classes using a 4x4 schedule. These classes will continue to be taught using the A/B schedule.
Will the new schedule eliminate study blocks?
No. Some students will be able to take study blocks, labs or other remediation courses under the new schedule.
How would the proposed schedule affect my elementary/middle school student?
VBCPS will add 15 minutes to the high school students' schedule (7:20 a.m.-2:10 p.m.). While additional time will not be added to the elementary and middle school schedules, start and release times for these schools will be adjusted 10 minutes to account for the impact the new high school schedule will have on VBCPS transportation plans.
- Elementary "A" 8:10 a.m.-2:40 p.m.
- Elementary "B" 8:40 a.m.-3:10 p.m.
- Middle Schools 9:20 a.m.-3:50 p.m.
How will the change in school start times affect the bus schedule?
At the high school level, students will need to arrive at the bus stop about five minutes earlier than they do now. At the elementary and middle school levels, the time for bus pick-ups will be 10 minutes later than what is currently in place.
When will this schedule go into effect?
Guidance counselors at the high schools will begin scheduling students using the hybrid schedule for the 2013-2014 school year.
How can I ask questions about the adopted hybrid high school schedule?
Please send your questions regarding high school schedule to vbschedule@vbschools.com. You may also post questions on the division's Facebook page.
